Things to do in Istanbul

Istanbul Tourist Guide, Tourist Attractions in Istanbul

There are so many places to see in Istanbul, there is a lot to do. It's not posiable to exploring Istanbul for a few days, a few weeks or months. This is list of the possible and essential places for tourists who come to visit Istanbul in a short time.

1. Visit Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is one of the most important monuments in the historical peninsula of Istanbul. Built in the Byzantine period as a church and then as a cathedral, the Hagia Sophia is one of the masterpieces of the architectural world with its magnificent design. The building was converted into a mosque in the Ottoman period and has been serving as a museum since 1934.

2. Visit Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)

One of Istanbul's most remarkable buildings, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque is known as the Blue Mosque in the world due to the Iznik tiles. Located near Hagia Sophia, the mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed I in the 17th century. Sultan Ahmet Mosque, designed by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, student of Mimar Sinan, is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world with its colorful tiles, magnificent dome and magnificent structure.

3. Visit Topkapi palace

Topkapi Palace, one of the most important buildings dating from the Ottoman Empire, is located in the Sarayburnu district of Istanbul. The palace, which was used as administrative center for 400 years in the Ottoman Empire, was built in 1478 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. In the palace where the personal belongings of the sultans who spent time in the palace were displayed during the Ottoman Period. Muhammed's cardigan, beard, footprints, Hz. Abraham's pot, Hz. Moses' wand, the Prophet. David's sword, Hz. The Holy Relics Department, where important relics such as Yusuf's robes, were found, attracted great attention.

4. Shopping in Grand Bazaar (Grand Covered Bazaar)

The Grand Bazaar, one of the most touristic places in Istanbul, is one of the first shopping centers in the world. The first section of the bazaar, which is located between Beyazıt Mosque and Nuru Osmaniye Mosque, was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed in 1460. Later, the Grand Bazaar, which was gradually expanded, reached almost 4 thousand stores on 65 streets. The market is still one of the most visited places in the world, with a wide variety of products from handmade goods to clothes, food, goods.

5. Watch the Istanbul 360 degrees at Galata Tower

The Galata Tower, one of the oldest towers in the world, was built in 528 by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius. The building, which was originally designed as a lighthouse, was used as a shelter in the Ottoman Period and as a fire observation tower. The Bosphorus and the Golden Horn are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013.

6. Discover Basilica Cistern

The most famous cistern in Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern, is located in the southwest of Hagia Sophia. The cistern, built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I to meet the water needs of the palace in the Byzantine period, spans an area of 9,800 square meters. Yerebatan Cistern, which has a very impressive structure with 100 thousand tons of water storage volume, has been used as a museum since 1987.

7. Discover Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace, one of the most eye-catching buildings of the Bosphorus, is one of the buildings dating from the Ottoman Empire. The palace, which was built by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1839 by the Balyan family, looks at each other with beautiful decorations, unique paintings and unique works. Dolmabahce Palace, which was used by Atatürk in 1927-1938, has been used as a museum-palace since 1984.

8. Take best photos at the Rumeli Fortress

Rumeli Fortress, also known as Bogazkesen Hisari, is located in Sarıyer district of İstanbul. The fortress built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 to prevent attacks from the north of the Bosphorus, covers an area of 30 acres. Rumeli Fortress, which has reached its present state in its unspoilt state, is now being used as a museum and as an open-air theater.

9. Drink coffee with perfect view of Istanbul at the Maiden's Tower

The Maiden's Tower, one of Istanbul's oldest buildings, is located off the coast of Salacak Coast of Üsküdar. The building which was built in the ancient Roman period as the first building defense area was used for different purposes in the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. With its 360 degree panoramic Istanbul view and its architecture that defies its years, the Maiden's Tower has been serving as a museum-restaurant since 1995.

10. Take a Istanbul Bosphorus cruise tour

The Bosphorus, which is considered to be one of the natural boundaries between Europe and Asia, is also an international waterway. The shores of the Bosphorus have been home to many civilizations throughout history.

11. Discover The Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace, located in the Beylerbeyi district of Üsküdar, was built by Sultan Abdülaziz into a grove in the Byzantine period, known as the Istavroz Gardens. The structure, designed by Balyan Family in 1861-1865, consists of six large halls, 24 rooms, 1 bath and 1 bathroom. Beylerbeyi Palace, which has an impressive structure with its wooden carving and gold embroidery workmanship, is one of the most spectacular buildings in Istanbul.